Power Management System For Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A power management system for a dispenser that includes a passive infrared radiation sensor arranged along the dispenser and configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by one or more users within a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of the dispenser. When the passive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone, the dispenser is placed in a low power state with the passive infrared sensor remaining connected to a power source and a controller, a dispensing mechanism, and/or the proximity sensor being disconnected from the power source. Other aspects also are described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/732,005, filed Dec. 31, 2019, and to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/368,901, filed Jul. 7, 2021, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/732,005, filed Dec.31, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/932,220, filed Nov. 7, 2019, and of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/787,622, filed Jan. 2, 2019.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/368,901, filed Jul. 7, 2021, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/732,005, filed Dec. 31, 2019, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/932,220, filed Nov. 7, 2019, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/787,622, filed Jan. 2, 2019,are specifically incorporated by reference herein as if set forth intheir entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to dispensers and, more particularly,to electronic dispensers for flexible sheet materials, such as paperproducts, or electronic dispensers for liquids, such as liquid soaps orhand sanitizers. Other aspects are also described.

BACKGROUND

Automated sheet material (e.g., paper towels, tissue, etc.) and fluiddispensers (e.g., liquid soap, hand sanitizer, etc.) are in wide use ina variety of public or commercial environments for sanitary and hygienepurposes and to help control the amounts of paper or fluids dispensed.In addition, to control the amounts of sheet material or fluidsdispensed per operation/use of these dispensers, energy consumption andconservation of battery life for such automated sheet material and fluiddispensers is important, as over-use will lead to increased loss ofbattery power, which can cause disruptions in operation or mis-feedingissues. A major drawback to some automated dispensers is the steadystate current battery life consumption percentage, due to the dispenserbeing in a substantially active state and always looking for the nextuser. Such steady state current consumptions often can utilize upwardsof 50 to 80% of a dispenser's battery capacity, depending on actualdaily use. Such power drains/consumption can be more problematic insmaller dispenser units, for example, in dispensers used in residentialand/or low traffic areas where smaller size batteries, i.e., “C” or “D”cell batteries, generally are used due to size, by requiring closermonitoring and more frequent change-out of spent batteries.

Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for systems and methodsfor dispensers that helps to drastically reduce steady state currentconsumption, while allowing the dispenser to respond to any user at anytime. The present disclosure addresses these and other related and otherrelated issues in the art.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, the present disclosure is directed to dispensers suchas for dispensing selected amounts of a sheet material, for example,paper products, including paper towels, tissue, napkins, etc., ordispensing liquids, e.g., liquid soap, hand sanitizers, etc. Thedispenser can include a dispenser housing with a supply of a fluid or asheet material to be dispensed in metered, predetermined amounts.

In one construction, the dispenser can include a sheet materialdispenser with a roll of sheet material attached to at least a portionof the dispenser housing, for example, using one or more arms orsupports. The sheet material dispenser further may include a feed rollerthat is rotatably mounted within the dispenser housing and generallyfeeds or drives a predetermined amount of sheet material of the supplyof sheet material through a discharge chute of the dispenser. The sheetmaterial dispenser also generally can include one or more pressingrollers that can engage, urge, bias and/or press the sheet materialagainst the feed roller such that the sheet material is pulled or drawntherebetween during a dispensing operation. The sheet material dispensercan include an automatic drive assembly/system for driving rotation ofthe feed roller to dispense selected amounts of sheet material. Thedrive system/assembly can include at least one driving mechanism,including a motor in communication with the feed roller to driverotation or movement thereof.

In another construction, the dispenser can include a liquid dispenserwith a dispenser housing that supports a supply chamber or reservoircontaining a liquid, e.g., liquid soap, hand sanitizer, etc. fordispensing thereof. The liquid dispenser further includes one or morenozzles or other discharge outlets for dispensing the liquid to users(e.g., upon activation of one or more sensors or other activationmechanisms). The fluid dispenser also includes a pumping mechanism,e.g., including pumps or other suitable actuators, for directing thefluid from the supply chamber to the discharge outlet(s).

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispenser (e.g.,the sheet material, fluid dispenser, or other type of dispenser) alsoincludes a power management system configured to control activationand/or deactivation of the dispenser based on a detected presence of auser within a prescribed area or zone around the dispenser. For example,the power management system can include one or more sensors, e.g.,passive infrared radiation (“PIR”) sensors, that use infrared radiationto detect people/users as they enter and exit a prescribed or focusedarea or zone where the dispenser is located, e.g., a restroom, hospitalroom, etc. The power management system further is in communication withthe dispenser circuitry/controller to selectively activate the circuitrybased on the detected presence of people/users by the infrared radiationsensor(s).

In operation, if a user is not detected, the power management system caninitially place the dispenser/controller into a low power mode, in whichthe controller is deactivated or placed into an inactive state, e.g., aswitch or connection may be opened so as to disconnect or decouple thecontroller from the dispenser's power source, such that the primarycomponents of the dispenser, with the exception of one or more passiveinfrared sensors, are not drawing power when not in operation.

That is, when a user/person enters the area or zone covered by the oneor more infrared radiation sensors, the power management systemactivates the dispenser controller to allow normal function of thedispenser, such as by closing or otherwise engaging the switch to coupleor connect the controller to the power source). And, when the user is nolonger within the area or zone covered by the one or more infraredsensors, i.e., no infrared detection is made by the sensor(s) for aprescribed period of time, the power management system can returndispenser back to the low power mode once the user has left thearea/zone of use. As a result, the amount of power used by the dispenseron a per period (i.e., hourly, daily, etc.) basis can be substantiallyreduced, and during periods when no user is nearby (e.g., at night, whenthe location of the dispenser is unoccupied, etc.), the powerconsumption can be reduced to a minimum level needed to power just theone or more passive infrared sensors with the other operative components(controller, driving mechanism, proximity sensors, monitor system, etc.)shut down and substantially out of communication with the power source.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser with apower management system. The dispenser comprises a supply of liquid orsheet material, and a dispenser housing in which the supply is received.The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism located within thedispenser housing in communication with the supply and configured todispense prescribed amounts of the supply from the dispenser housing.The dispenser also has a proximity sensor positioned along the dispenserhousing and configured to detect a presence of a user proximate thedispenser. The dispenser further includes a controller in communicationwith the dispensing mechanism and the proximity sensor. The controlleris configured to activate the dispensing mechanism to dispense theprescribed amounts of the supply upon receipt of one or more signalsfrom the proximity sensor indicative of the presence of the userproximate the dispenser. In addition, the dispenser includes a powersource supplying power to the controller, dispensing mechanism andproximity sensor.

The dispenser also comprises a power management system in communicationwith the controller and having a passive infrared radiation sensorarranged along the dispenser housing and configured to detect infraredradiation emitted by one or more users within a prescribed detectionrange, area, or zone of the dispenser. When the passive infraredradiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation within theprescribed detection range, area, or zone, the dispenser is placed in alow power state with the passive infrared sensor remaining connected tothe power source and the controller, the dispensing mechanism, and/orthe proximity sensor being disconnected from the power source. But, whenthe at least one passive infrared radiation sensor captures infraredradiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone, thecontroller, the dispensing mechanism, and/or the proximity sensor areconnected with the power source.

The dispenser further can comprise a switch coupled to the power sourceand the controller, proximity sensor, and/or the dispensing mechanism.The switch is responsive to one or more signals from the passiveinfrared radiation sensor to decouple the power source from thecontroller, proximity sensor, and/or the dispensing mechanism, such thatthe controller, proximity sensor, and/or the dispensing mechanism do notconsume power from the power source. In one embodiment, the switch cancomprise a triode.

In some embodiments, when the passive infrared radiation sensor does notcapture infrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area,or zone, the passive infrared radiation sensor outputs one or more lowlevel signals to the controller. Upon receipt of the one or more lowlevel signals from the passive infrared radiation sensor at thecontroller, the controller initiates a shutdown sequence to complete anyongoing work, functions, or operations of the controller. Uponcompletion of the shutdown sequence, the controller outputs one or morelow level signals to the switch such that the switch decouples the powersource and the controller, proximity sensor, and/or the dispensingmechanism.

In one embodiment, the dispenser consumes less than about 100 μA in thelow power state. In another embodiment, the dispenser consumes less thanabout 50 μA in the low power state. In yet another embodiment, thedispenser consumes less than about 30 μA to less than about 20 μA in thelow power state.

The dispenser further can include a passive infrared radiation sensorcontroller that is integrated with the passive infrared radiationsensor. The passive radiation sensor controller is configured togenerate one or more signals responsive to signals received from thepassive infrared radiation sensor to connect and disconnect thecontroller, dispensing mechanism, and proximity sensor to and from thepower source.

The dispenser further can include a timer that is integrated with thepassive infrared radiation sensor. The timer can be activated when thepassive infrared radiation sensor does not detect infrared radiationwithin the prescribed detection range, area, or zone. Upon expiration ofthe timer, the power source can be disconnected from the controller,proximity sensor, and/or the dispensing mechanism.

In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a sheet material dispenser,and the dispensing mechanism includes a feed roller that is configuredengage and move sheet material from the supply of sheet along adischarge path and out of the dispenser for dispensing thereof.

In another embodiment, the dispenser includes a liquid dispenser. Inthis embodiment, the supply of liquid includes a supply chamber thatstores a liquid, while the dispensing mechanism includes a pump thatdirects or moves the liquid from the supply chamber to the discharge.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a dispensingsystem comprising a lead dispenser and a plurality of drone dispensers.The lead dispenser can include a controller for controlling one or moreoperations of the lead dispenser, and at least one passive infraredradiation sensor in communication with the controller. The passiveinfrared radiation sensor is configured to capture infrared radiationindicative of one or more individuals present within a prescribeddetection range, area, or zone of the lead dispenser.

The plurality of drone dispensers each are configured to communicateinformation to the lead dispenser. Each of the plurality of dronedispensers include a controller for controlling one or more operationsof each done dispenser and a passive infrared radiation sensor incommunication with the controller of each drone dispenser. The passiveinfrared radiation sensor of each drone dispenser is configured tocapture infrared radiation indicative of one or more individuals presentwithin a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of each dronedispenser. When the passive infrared radiation sensor of one of thedrone dispensers does not capture infrared radiation, the controller ofthat drone dispenser is disconnected from a power source thereof.

The dispensing system also comprises a network in communication with thelead dispenser. The lead dispenser is configured to communicateinformation related to the lead dispenser and the information receivedfrom the plurality of drone dispensers to the network.

With the dispensing system, a power source of the lead dispenser remainsconnected to the controller of the lead dispenser when passive infraredradiation sensors of the lead dispenser or of any of the plurality ofdrone dispensers capture infrared radiation indicative of one or moreindividuals present within the prescribed range, area or zone thereof.

In embodiments, one or more of the plurality of drone dispensersincludes a sheet material dispenser, and/or one or more of the pluralityof drone dispensers includes a liquid dispenser.

In addition, the plurality of drone dispensers can transmit one or morealerts or notifications to the lead dispenser if the one or more dronedispensers are experiencing an error condition, a low power condition,and/or a low supply condition, and the lead dispenser can transmit theone or more alerts or notifications from the plurality of dronedispensers to the network.

The lead dispenser also can include a long range transmitter/receiverthat facilitates communication between the lead dispenser and thenetwork.

These and other advantages and aspects of the embodiments of thedisclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments and the claims, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Moreover, it is to beunderstood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and intended to providefurther explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention, and together with the detaileddescription, serve to explain the principles of the embodimentsdiscussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of thisdisclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and thevarious ways in which they may be practiced.

FIGS. 1A-C shows a perspective, partial cutaway views of an examplesheet material dispenser according to principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2B provide examples of a tear bar and pivotable pawl memberthat can be provided for assisting in control of the dispenser accordingto aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid dispenser according to oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an example of a control system incommunication with the dispenser according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a power management assembly accordingto one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an infrared radiation sensor of thepower management assembly of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a dispensing system including a leaddispenser and a plurality of drone dispensers according to principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show schematic diagrams for a lead dispenser and a dronedispenser according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show exemplary facilities including a dispensing systemsuch as illustrated in FIG. 7 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching ofembodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the relevant art willrecognize that many changes can be made to the embodiments described,while still obtaining the beneficial results. It will also be apparentthat some of the desired benefits of the embodiments described can beobtained by selecting some of the features of the embodiments withoututilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art willrecognize that many modifications and adaptations to the embodimentsdescribed are possible and may even be desirable in certaincircumstances. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C and 3 , the present disclosureis directed to dispensers that can be automated dispensers 10 forfeeding or dispensing a flexible sheet material 12, or dispensers 300for dispensing fluid materials. In one aspect, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C,the dispenser 10 can dispense various types of sheet materials includingpaper sheet materials, such as towels, tissue, napkins, etc. Thedispenser 10 generally will include a dispensing mechanism includingdriven feed roll drive assembly/system 14 mounted or otherwise disposedwithin a dispenser housing 16 and operable to dispense prescribedamounts/lengths of sheet material. For example, upon activating thedispenser 10, the feed roller drive assembly 14 is engaged and operatesto drive or cause rotation of a feed roller or drive spindle 18. Therotation of the feed roller 18 in turn pulls the sheet material 12 froma supply of sheet material 20 for feeding a predetermined, prescribed,measured or selected amount or length L (e.g., a 10″-12″ or otherdesired length) of sheet material 12 along a conveying or feed path P(FIG. 1B) from the roll or supply 20 of the sheet material 12 throughand out of a discharge, such as a discharge chute 22 or other suitableopening provided/defined in the housing 16 of the dispenser 10, as isgenerally indicated in FIG. 1B.

The feed roller drive assembly 14 can be activated and driven/rotated topull and feed the sheet material 12 from the sheet material supply 20 toand through the discharge chute 22 upon receiving a signal from acontrol system or control circuit 24 of the dispenser 10. An example ofa control system 24 for a dispenser is generally shown in FIG. 4 . Thecontrol system 24 can include a controller or control unit 210 includinga processor 210A, such as a microprocessor, CPU, etc., a memory 210B,and computer programming 210C stored in the memory 210B and executed bythe processor 210A for control of the feed roller drive assembly 14 tofeed the selected or desired length of sheet material and to monitor thedispenser 10 and components such as the supply of sheet material andusage/operation of the dispenser. The controller 210 further will be incommunication with, and will receive a plurality of signals, from asensor or an array or series of sensors, such as generally indicated at28, to control dispensing of the sheet material 12.

The sensors 28 can include various type sensors or detectors, forexample, including an adjustable proximity sensor that can beconfigured/adjusted to detect the presence of a user's hand or otherobject at a desired range/location and dispense measured/selectedamounts of sheet material 12. The proximity sensor can be manually orautomatically adjustable. In addition, or in the alternative, one ormore pairs of IR sensors (e.g., an emitter and a corresponding detector)that are arranged about/within the discharge chute 22 andtransmit/receive signals across the discharge path P to sense or detectthe presence or absence of sheet material or other object within thedischarge chute or otherwise along the feed path. Any suitable sensor,however, such as a photoelectric, light curtain, or other similarsensing systems/detectors, can be used to detect the presence of auser's hands or other object placed along the dispenser housing 16,and/or the feeding of a selected amount of sheet material 12 can beused, without departing from the present disclosure. In addition,various sensor arrays and/or control systems can be used, such asdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/185,937, and14/256,019, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated byreference as if set forth fully herein.

It further should be appreciated that the sheet material dispenser 10described herein should not be considered to be limited to anyparticular style, configuration, or intended use, or to a particulartype of sheet material. For example, the dispenser 10 may be operable todispense paper towels, toilet tissue, or other similar paper or sheetmaterials, including dispensing or feeding non-perforated and/orperforated sheet materials.

As indicated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the dispenser housing 16 includes aroll support mechanism 30, for holding at least one roll 32 of thesupply 20 of sheet material 12. The roll support mechanism 30 caninclude a pair of supports or arms 34 coupled to the dispenser housing16 and supporting the roll 32, such as indicated at 36. Thesearms/supports 34 may be fixedly arranged to hold the supply 20 of sheetmaterial in a spaced relationship with respect to the feed roller 18.For example, the support arms 34 can be attached or coupled to thedispenser housing 16 by sliding or snap-fitting at least a portion ofthe supports/arms within grooves or slots 37 defined along a rearportion 36 of the dispenser housing 16. However, the support arms 34 canbe connected to the dispenser housing 16 in any suitable manner, such aswith one or more fasteners or other suitable connection mechanisms. As afurther alternative, the support arms also can be integrally formed withthe housing without departing from the present disclosure. In additionalor alternative constructions, the support arms 34 also may be biased orurged, such as by a spring or other suitable biasing mechanism(s), or bya general resiliency, toward the feed roller 18 to urge or direct thesupply 20 of sheet material downwardly toward or against the feed roller18.

The feed roller 18 is movably or rotatably coupled to one or more wallsor other portions of the dispenser housing 16. For example, the ends ofthe feed roller 18 can be connected, mounted, or otherwise coupled tothe dispenser housing 16 by one or more bearing assemblies and/or othersuitable support mechanisms that support and allow for rotation of thefeed roller 18 in relation to the dispenser housing 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1B, the dispenser assembly 10 further generallycan include one or more pressing rollers 60. The pressing rollers 60 canbe biased toward engagement with the feed roller 18, so as to engage andurge or press the sheet material 12 against the feed roller 18 with aforce sufficient to draw or pull the sheet material 12 therebetween uponrotation of the feed roller 18. The pressing roller(s) 60 can be mountedwithin the dispenser housing 16, such as with the ends thereof heldwithin one or more arms or supports of a bracket 60A in a manner toenable rotation of the pressing roller(s) 60. The bracket 60A also canbe biased by a biasing member, such as a spring, so that the pressingrollers 60 can be urged toward the driven feed roller 18. Additionally,or in the alternative, one or more pressing roller(s) 60 further can bedisposed within a frame or other structure and biased toward the feedroller 18 such as by compressing/tension springs or other suitablesprings, biased cylinders or other biasing mechanisms. In oneconstruction, the frame can support at least two pressing rollers andalso can be pivotable to enable one pressing roller to move away fromthe feed roller as needed, while the other roller is pivoted into closercontact with the feed roller (not shown). In addition, or alternatively,the pressing rollers 60 may be driven by drive mechanism, for example,off of the motor that drives the feed roller or by a separate drive, soas to facilitate feeding of the sheet material 12.

The feed roller drive assembly 14 includes at least one drivingmechanism, e.g., a motor 74, that is in communication with the feedroller 18 so as to drive movement/rotation thereof (FIG. 1C). The motor74 can include a brushless servo or stepper motor or other, similar typeof variable speed electric motor, and communicates with the controlsystem 24 of the dispenser 10 to receive instructions and power foractivating and driving the feed roller 18 through a dispensing cycle(e.g., a determined time, number of revolutions, etc.), so as to feedthe selected or desired amount/length of the sheet material through thedischarge chute 22 of the dispenser 10. In one additional aspect, thedrive system/assembly 14 also can include a transmission assembly 76 fortransferring power between the motor 74 and the feed roller 18. Forexample, the transmission assembly 76 can include a drive belt 78 and/ordrive gears coupling the motor 74 to the feed roller 18. In alternativeconstructions, the feed roller drive assembly 14 can include a gearassembly including a plurality of intermeshing gears that operativelyconnect the driving mechanism 74 and the feed roller 18. Any suitabletransmission mechanisms, device, assemblies, etc. can be used fortransferring power between the driving mechanism and the feed roller,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The sheet material dispenser 10 also can include a cuttingmechanism/assembly 150 for cutting or severance of dispensed sheetmaterial. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dispenserhousing may include one or more tear bars or other suitable cuttingmembers 151 disposed adjacent or along the dispenser housing 16 so thata user can separate a sheet or measured amount of the material bygrasping and pulling the sheet across the tear bar 151.

In addition, as also shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a pivotally mounted pawlmember 152 can be located proximate to the stationary tear bar 151 suchthat movement of sheet material 12 into the tear bar 151 for severancepivots the pawl member 152 between multiple positions. A signal devicesuch as a proximity sensor switch or the like, cooperative with the pawlmember 152, can also be arranged such that movement of the pawl member152 between various positions causes the signal means to send a signalto notify the controller 210 that the sheet material has been removed.By way of example, such signal means can include an infrared emitter anddetector that detects movement of the pawl member 152 between first andsecond positions, though any suitable sensor can be employed such as aproximity sensor or other detector, a magnetic switch, or a mechanicalswitch. After receiving a signal indicating removal of the sheetmaterial, the control system 24 further can activate a paper detectionsensor 158 (FIG. 4 ) to verify that the sheet material has been removedfrom the discharge chute. An example of such a mechanism is shown inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/155,528, the disclosure and figuresof which is incorporated herein by reference herein as if set forth intheir entirety.

In alternative constructions, the cutting mechanism can be configured tomove or be actuated at a prescribed or preset point during a revolutionof the feed roller 18, or after a prescribed rotation of the feed roller18 so as to selectively cut or perforate the sheet material after adesired or prescribed length or portion of the sheet material has beenfed or dispensed. For example, embodiments of the present disclosuredescribed herein can utilize concepts disclosed in commonly-owned U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 15/185,937 and 15/848,643, the disclosureand figures of which are incorporated by reference herein as if setforth in their entireties.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a liquid or fluid dispenser 300according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquiddispenser 300 generally includes a dispenser housing 302 thatsupports/houses a supply chamber or reservoir 304 that contains/stores aliquid, e.g., liquid soap, hand sanitizer, etc. The liquid dispenser 300further includes one or more nozzles or other suitable discharge outlet306 for providing the liquid to the user, and the liquid dispenserincludes a dispensing mechanism including a pumping system or mechanism308, e.g., including one or more pumps or other suitable actuators, fordirecting or moving the liquid from the supply chamber 304 to thedischarge outlet 306. The liquid dispenser 300 further includes one ormore sensors 310, e.g., including an IR sensor, in communication with acontroller, such as controller 510A/510B shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, that isconfigured to control operation of the pumping mechanism 308. The one ormore sensors 310 can be configured as proximity sensors to gatherinformation that is related to the presence of an object, such as auser's hand, near or proximate the dispenser 300. Accordingly, inoperation, when a user places their hand in proximity to the one or moresensors 310, the one or more sensors 310 provide a signal to thecontroller to activate the pumping mechanism 308 for dispensing a selector prescribed amount of liquid. The controller further is coupled to apower source, e.g., one or more batteries or an AC power source, such aspower source 514A/514B in FIG. 8A/8B to power the controller, dispensingmechanism 308, and the one or more sensors 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic control system orcircuit 24 for operating the dispenser 10 in an exemplary embodiment.The dispenser assembly 10 or operative components thereof may be poweredby a power supply 200, such as one or more batteries 202 contained in abattery compartment, though any suitable battery storage device may beused for this purpose. Alternatively, or in addition to battery power,the power supply 200 may also include a building's alternating current(AC) distribution system as indicated at 204. For this purpose, aplug-in modular transformer/adapter could be provided with the dispenser10, which connects to a terminal or power jack port located, forexample, in the bottom edge of the circuit housing for delivering powerto the control system 24 and associated components. The control system24 also may include a mechanical or electrical switch that can isolatethe battery circuit upon connecting the AC adapter in order to protectand preserve the batteries.

In one example embodiment, the control system 24 can include orotherwise communication with a sensor 28, such as a proximity sensor orother detector 206, configured to capture information related to detectan object placed in a detection zone external to the dispenser toinitiate operation of the dispenser, e.g., to detect a presence of auser or a user's hand within a prescribed zone, area or range of thesensor 28. This sensor 28 may be a passive infrared sensor that detectschanges in ambient conditions, such as ambient light, capacitancechanges caused by an object in a detection zone, and so forth. In analternate embodiment, the sensor 28 may be an active device and includean active transmitter and associated receiver, such as one or moreinfrared (IR) transmitters and an IR receiver. The transmitter transmitsan active signal in a transmission cone corresponding to the detectionzone, and the receiver detects a threshold amount of the active signalreflected from an object placed into the detection zone. The controlsystem 24 generally will be configured to be responsive to the sensor 28for initiating a dispense cycle upon a valid detection signal therefrom.For example, the proximity sensor 206 or other detector can be used todetect both the presence of a user's hand. The dispenser 10 canadditionally include a paper detector sensor 208, such as one or moreinfrared emitters and infrared detectors with one infraredemitter/detector, pair aligned to detect a user's hand below thedispenser 10 and the second infrared emitter/detector pair aligned todetect a sheet hanging below the outermost front edge of the discharge.

The controller 210 of the control system 24 can to control activation ofthe dispensing mechanism 74, e.g., upon valid detection of a user's handby the sensor 28 for dispensing a measured length of the sheet material12. In one embodiment, the controller 210 can track the running time ofthe drive motor 74 of the motorized feed roller, and/or receive feedbackinformation directly therefrom indicative of a number of revolutions ofthe feed roller 18 and correspondingly, an amount of the sheet materialfeed thereby. In addition, or as a further alternative, sensors andassociated circuitry may be provided for this purpose. Various types ofsensors can include IR, radio frequency (RF), capacitive or othersuitable sensors, and any one or a combination of such sensing systemscan be used. The controller 210 also can control the length of sheetmaterial dispensed. Any number of optical or mechanical devices may beused in this regard, such as, for example, an optical encoder may beused to count the revolutions of the drive or feed roller 18, with thiscount being used by the controller 210 to meter the desired length ofthe sheet material to be dispensed.

The processing logic for operation of the electronic dispenser in, forexample, the hand sensor and butler modes, can be part of the controlsoftware 210C stored in the memory 210B of the controller 210 or othermemories included in the control system 24. One or more binary flags arealso stored in memory and represent an operational state of thedispenser (e.g., “paper cut” set or cleared). An operational mode switchin dispenser sets the mode of operation. In the hand sensor mode, theproximity (hand) sensor detects the presence of a user's hand below thedispenser 10 and in response, the motor 74 is operated to dispense ameasured amount of sheet material 12. The controller 210 can thenmonitor when the sheet of material is removed. For example, actuation ofthe pawl member 152 or triggering/activation of a paper detection sensor208 can determine the removal of paper and reset the hand sensor. Theproximity sensor 206 also can be controlled to not allow additionalsheet material to be dispensed until the proximity sensor is reset. Ifthe proximity sensor 206 detects the presence of a user's hand but doesnot dispense sheet material, the controller 210 can check for sheetmaterial using the paper detection sensor 208. If sheet material 12 hasnot been dispensed (i.e., no sheet material is hanging from thedispenser), the motor 74 will be activated to dispense a next sheet.

A multi-position switch 212 also can be provided to switch the dispenseroperation between a first or standard operation mode and a second mode,such as a butler mode. In such butler mode, the proximity sensor 208 fordetecting the presence of a user's hand/object can be deactivated, andthe control system 24 can automatically dispense sheet material when thecover is closed and the dispenser is put into operation. The paperdetection sensor 208 further can determine if a sheet is hanging fromthe dispenser. If sheet material is hanging, the control system 24 willthen monitor when the sheet of material is removed. For example, acutting mechanism movement detector, which may be arranged andconfigured to detect actuation or movement of the cutting mechanism; thepawl member; and/or the paper detection sensor can determine the removalof paper and reset the dispenser. The next sheet will be dispensedautomatically. If the paper detection sensor 158 determines the absenceof hanging sheet material, the motor 74 will be activated to dispensethe next sheet. The control system 24 can then determine if the sheethas been removed before dispensing another sheet.

In one embodiment, the dispenser assembly 10 is operative in a firstmode to be responsive to a signal from the proximity sensor to dispensea sheet of material. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a secondmode to dispense a next sheet in response to the signal means beingactivated by movement of the cutting mechanism or tear bar to itsextended position in response to dispensed sheet material 12 beingremoved from the dispenser. In another embodiment, the dispenser 10 canbe operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to asignal means being activated by movement of the cutting mechanism, and asignal from a paper detection sensor 208 that the sheet material 10 hasbeen removed from the dispenser. Such a sensor can be affixed to anexternal surface of the discharge rather than inside the discharge.

The dispenser 10 generally can dispense a measured length of the sheetmaterial, which may be accomplished by various means, such as a timingcircuit that actuates and stops the operation of the motor driving thefeed roller after a predetermined time. In one embodiment, the drivemotor 74 can provide direct feedback as to the number of revolutions ofthe feed roller 18, indicative of an amount of the sheet material 12 fedthereby. Alternatively, a motor revolution counter can be provided thatmeasures the degree of rotation of the feed roller 18 and is interfacedwith the controller 210 or other control circuitry to stop a driveroller motor after a defined number of revolutions of the feed roller18. This counter may be an optical encoder type of device, or amechanical device. The control system 24 may include a device to allowmaintenance personnel to adjust the sheet length by increasing ordecreasing the revolution counter set point. The multi-position switch212 can also be in operable communication with the controller 210 toselect one of a plurality of time periods as a delay between delivery ofa first sheet and delivery of a next sheet to the user. Embodiments ofthe present disclosure described herein can also utilize conceptsdisclosed in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,782 entitled“Intelligent Dispensing System” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,824 entitled“Intelligent Electronic Paper Dispenser,” both of which are incorporatedby reference in their entireties herein.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the sheet material dispenser 10 or the fluiddispenser 300 also includes a power management assembly 400 that isconfigured to activate and deactivate the dispenser 10/300 based on adetected presence of a user within a prescribed area or zone around thedispenser 10/300. For example, the power management assembly 400 caninclude one or more sensors 402 that are configured to gatherenvironmental information within the prescribed zone/area around thedispenser 10/300 to detect the presence of people/users as they enterand exit the area or zone where the dispenser is located, e.g., arestroom, hospital room, etc. For example, as further shown in FIGS. 4and 5 , the power management assembly 400 further can be integrated withor otherwise in communication with the dispenser's control system 24 toactivate and deactivate the control system 24 based on the detectedpresence of people/users by the sensor(s) 402.

FIG. 6 shows that the one or more sensors 402 can include one or morepassive infrared radiation (“PIR”) sensor(s) 404 that are configured todetect infrared radiation of people/users, which is indicative of thepresence or movement of the people/users within a prescribed detectionrange, area, zone, etc. 406 covered by the infrared radiation sensor404. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the detection area 406 ofthe one or more infrared radiation sensors 404 is generally conical witha detection range or angle α of about 110 degrees, though other suitabledetection ranges/angles are possible, such as about 80 degrees, about 90degrees, about 100 degrees, about 120 degrees, or more, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning again to FIG. 5 , the power management assembly 400 also caninclude a switch or switch circuitry 408, e.g., including a triode, orother suitable switching mechanism, that is coupled to a lead or othercoupling/connector 410 connecting the power source 200 and the controlsystem 24 of the dispenser. The switch 408 can be activated to connectand disconnect the control system 24 from the power source 200 (e.g.,the switch 408 includes first, disconnected position where the controlsystem 24 and the power source 200 are disconnected and the switch 408includes a second, connected position wherein the control system 24 andthe power source 200 are connected). In this regard, the switch 408 cancouple the control system 24 to the power source 200 such that thecontrol system 24 can draw or consume power from the power source 200,and the switch 408 can disconnect or decouple the control system 24 fromthe power source 200 (e.g., after a safe shutdown sequence of thecontroller 210) such that the control system 24 does not draw or consumepower from the power source 200.

FIG. 5 further shows that the switch 408 can be connected to theinfrared radiation sensor 404, such that the switch 408 can be activatedto connect and disconnect the control system 24 and the power source 200based on detection of or failure to detect a user/person. That is, theswitch 408 is configured to couple and decouple the power source 200 andthe control system 24 responsive to or based on signals received fromthe infrared radiation sensor 404. Thus, the switch 408 can decouple thepower source 200 and the control system 24 when the PIR sensor 404 doesnot capture radiation of one or more persons or individuals (so that nopower is consumed from the power source 200 by the control system 24during such a non-operative state), and can re-engage or couple thepower source 200 and the control system 24, so that the control system24 can receive/draw power from the power source when the PIR sensor 404captures radiation of one or more persons or individuals. The PIR sensor404 remains connected to the power source 200 and consumes a minimalamount of power therefrom (FIG. 5 ).

In operation, the power management assembly 400 initially is in a lowpower mode or state, in which the control system 24 of the dispenser isdeactivated (e.g., the switch 408 is in the first, disconnected ordecoupled position in which the control system 24 is not connected to,i.e., not in communication with the power source 200). When auser/person enters the area or zone 406 covered by the PIR sensor 404,in response to a detection thereof, the power management assembly 500can be switched to an active mode and activates the dispenser/thecontrol system 24 to allow normal function thereof, such as by engagingthe switch 408 to change from a first, disconnected state to its second,connected/coupled or operative state in which the control system 24 isconnected to the power source 200). When no users are within the area orzone covered by the one or more PIR sensors 404, the power managementassembly 400 returns dispenser back to a low or minimal power mode(e.g., once the detected users/people have left the area/zone covered bythe infrared radiation sensor(s) 404, and/or after the selected periodof no detected activity/presence, the switch 408 is returned its first,disconnected state again disconnecting the control system 24 from thepower source 200).

In the low power mode or state, with the control system 24 disconnected,generally only the PIR sensor 404 will draw power from the power source200. The PIR sensor 404 uses about one-tenth of power demands that thecontrol system 24, e.g., the current use of the infrared radiationsensor can be about 50 μA (and in some embodiments as low as about 30 μAto about 10 μA), while the current of the control system 24 is about 500μA. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the dispenser 10/300 can consumeless than about 50 μA in the low power state; in other embodiments, thedispenser can consume less than about 30 μA in the low power state; andin further embodiments, the dispenser can consume less than about 15 μAin the low power state; and in even further embodiments, the dispensercan consume less than about 10 μA in the low power state.

In alternative embodiments, one or more components of the dispenser,e.g., proximity sensors, monitoring systems, dispensing mechanisms, etc.may still be connected to the power source and draw at least some powertherefrom in the low power state, and thus, in those alternativeembodiments, the dispenser can consume less than about 250 μA, less thanabout 200 μA, less than about 150 μA, or less than about 100 μA in thelow power state.

According to the present disclosure, the term about can be understood tocover values in the range of ±0.5 μA, though about can reflect anysuitable value range, such as ±0.1 μA, ±1 μA, or up to ±3 μA, or othervalue ranges as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In thisregard, the power management system according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure helps to save significant power in comparison totypical steady state dispensing systems.

FIG. 7 shows an example embodiment of a dispensing system 500 accordingto principles of the present disclosure. The dispensing system 500generally can include a dominant or lead dispenser 502 and a pluralityof drone or follower dispensers 504 in communication with the leaddispenser 502. The plurality of drone dispensers 504 can include one ormore liquid dispensers 504A, such as soap dispensers, hand sanitizerdispensers, etc. and/or one or more sheet material dispensers 504B, suchas tissue dispensers, paper towel dispensers, etc. The lead dispenser502 can include a sheet material dispenser (e.g., tissue dispensers,paper towel dispensers, etc.) or a liquid dispenser (e.g., a soapdispenser or a hand sanitizer dispenser).

The lead dispenser 502 further can be in communication with a network506, such as cloud based network or other suitable public (e.g., theInternet) or private network, and the lead dispenser 502 can provide oneor more signals, packets, etc. including, or otherwise related to,dispenser information and/or alerts, notifications, etc., generated bythe lead dispenser 502 and the drone dispensers 504 to the network 506for access by a system operator, maintained personnel, etc. Thedispenser information can include information related to power levels(e.g., battery levels), supply levels (e.g., information related toremaining amounts of sheet material or liquid), usage (e.g., times anddates of when the dispenser was used, amounts the dispenser wasactivated during a specific time period, other usage rates orstatistics, etc.) The alerts, notifications, etc. can be generated,e.g., if the dispensers 502/504 are experiencing a low power, lowsupply, error states, etc.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating the lead dispenser502 and drone dispensers 504, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,the lead dispenser 502 and the drone dispensers 504 each include adispenser controller or control unit 508A/508B that controls variousoperations/functions of the lead dispenser 502 and drone dispensers 504.Each dispenser controller 508A/508B of the dispensers 502/504 generallycan include a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) with a processor510A/510B, such as a micro-processor, CPU, etc., and one or more datastores or memories 512A/512B, such as RAM, ROM, or other non-volatilememories. Each dispenser controller 508A/508B further can be connectedto or otherwise communicate with other components of the dispensers502/504, such as sensors 505A/B, e.g., proximity sensors 28/310, paperdetection sensors, personnel tracking sensors, etc.; optional monitoringsystems 507A/B; drive systems or dispensing systems 509A/B, such asmotor driven feed rollers 74, fluid pumps 308, etc.; or other suitablecomponents of the dispensers 502/504.

The data stores 512A/512B can store instructions, workflows, etc. thatcan be accessed and executed by the processor 510A/510B to facilitateoperations of the dispensers 502/504 (e.g., for dispensing of sheetmaterial or liquid therefrom, for monitoring usage of the lead dispenser502, such as operating a monitoring system 507A/B thereof thatdetermines a remaining amount of sheet material or liquid, forcommunicating with and/or controlling the drone dispensers 504, etc.).The data stores 512A/512B further can store dispenser informationgenerated by the respective dispensers 502/504, and one or more datastores 512A of the lead dispenser 502 can store dispenser informationreceived from the drone dispensers 504.

In addition, as generally shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the lead dispenser502 and drone dispensers 504 each include a power source 514A/514B, suchas one or more batteries, an alternating current (AC) distributionsystem of a facility, or other AC or direct current (DC) power sources.The lead dispenser 502 and drone dispensers 504 will include ashort-range receiver/transmitter 516A/516B, such as a Bluetooth® orother suitable RF or short-range signal receiver/transmitter, tofacilitate communication between the lead dispenser 502 and the dronedispensers 504 (FIG. 7 ).

The lead dispenser 502 (FIG. 8A) also can include an additional,long-range receiver/transmitter 518A, such as a narrowband (“NB”)receiver/transmitter (e.g., 4G, LTE, 5G, etc.) or other suitabletransmitter/receiver, e.g., Wifi, for transmitting and/or receivinginformation to/from or otherwise communicating with the network 506(FIG. 7 ). Further, in some variations, the drone dispensers 504 canhave an identical construction to the lead dispenser 502 and willinclude a long-range receiver/transmitter 518B, such as a narrowband(“NB”) receiver/transmitter (e.g., 4G, LTE, 5G, etc.) or other suitabletransmitter/receiver, e.g., Wifi, etc. In these variations, thelong-range transmitter/receivers 518B of one or more of the dronedispensers 504 can be deactivated or generally maintained in a low powerstate.

As further indicated in FIGS. 7-8B, the lead dispenser 502 and dronedispensers 504 each can include a passive infrared radiation (PIR)sensor 404A/404B configured to detect infrared radiation of a person orpeople (e.g., that is indicative of the presence or movement ofindividuals within a prescribed detection range, area, zone, etc.covered by each of the PIR sensors 404A/404B around their respectivedispensers 502/504). PIR sensors 404A/404B can be in communication withthe dispenser controller 508A/508B of their respective dispensers502/504, which dispenser controller 508A/508B can be deactivated andactivated based upon/responsive to signals received from correspondingPIR sensors 404A/404B (FIGS. 8A and 8B).

In particular, when the PIR sensors 404A/404B detect infrared radiationfrom a person or persons (e.g., indicating an occupied state or mode),their respective dispenser controllers 508A/508B and other dispensercomponents in communication therewith, such as sensors 505A/B,monitoring systems/sensors 507A/B, drive or pumping mechanisms 509A/B,etc., can be connected to or otherwise placed in communication withtheir corresponding power source 514A/514B so as to receivepower/current therefrom. When the PIR sensors 404A/404B do not detectinfrared radiation from a person or people (e.g., indicating anunoccupied state or mode), their respective dispenser controllers508A/508B and other dispenser components in communication therewith canbe placed in a low or minimal power state and disconnected from thepower source 514A/514B such that no power/current is provided to thedispenser controller 508A/508B such that the dispenser controller508A/508B and other dispenser components in communication therewith aredeactivated and do not draw or consume power from the power source514A/514B. That is, in the low or minimized power state, only thesensors 404A/404B will draw or consume power from the power source514A/514B.

In one exemplary construction, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each of thelead dispenser 502 and drone dispensers 504 also can include a switchmechanism or circuitry 520A/520B, e.g., including an NPN triode orother, similar mechanism that can block or shut off power to thedispenser controllers 508A/508B. The switch mechanism 520A/520B will bein communication with the sensors 404A/404B to disconnect and connectthe dispenser controller 508A/508B (and other dispenser components incommunication therewith) from/to the power source 514A/514B in theunoccupied and occupied modes, respectively. For example, in theunoccupied mode (e.g., when the sensor 404A/404B does not detectinfrared information from a person or people), the sensors 404A/404B canoutput one or more signals, e.g., a low level signal, to theirrespective dispenser controllers 508A/508B. Upon receipt of this lowlevel signal, the dispenser controllers 508A/508B, e.g., the processor510A/510B, can determine that the sensors 404A/404B are in theunoccupied mode, and the dispenser controllers 508A/508B can initiate ashutdown or power down sequence. In some embodiments, the switchmechanisms 520A/520B can be incorporated with the PCB of theirassociated dispenser controller 508A/508B; though the switch mechanisms520A/520B otherwise be connected to or in communication with theirdispenser controllers 508A/508B.

In some aspects, the dispenser controllers 508A/508B (and otherdispenser components in communication therewith) can finish or completeany on-going work, functions, operations, etc. thereof and generate andtransmit one or more command signals to place the short-rangetransmitter/receivers 516A/516B (as well as the long-rangetransmitter/receiver 518) into a low power/power off state. As thedispenser controller 508A/508B enters into its power down sequence, thedispenser controller 508A/508B can generate and output one or moresignals, e.g., a low level signal, to the switch circuitry 520A/520Bsuch that the switch circuitry 520A/520B is in an open or “off” state,disconnecting the power sources 514A/514B from their associateddispenser controllers 508A/508B to completely shut down/power off thedispenser controllers 508A/508B and substantially all other componentsof the dispensers 502/504, except for the sensors 404A/404B, and, insome variations, the short-range 516A/516B and long-range 518A/518Btransmitter/receivers. In these variations, the transmitters/receivers516A/516B and 518A/518B can be placed in a low power or sleep state. Inthis regard, the dispenser controller 508A/508B and substantially allother components of the dispensers 502/504 (e.g., sensors 505A/B,optional monitoring systems 507A/B, dispensing systems 509A/B, etc.)generally are decoupled from the power sources 514A/514B such that thedispenser controllers 508A/508B and other operative components of thedispensers 502/504 do not consume or draw power from the power sources514A/514B while in such low/minimal power state.

The dispenser controllers 508A/508B can be powered on when theirrespective sensors 404A/404B capture infrared radiation from a person orpersons and are in the occupied state. In particular, when one of thesensors 404A/404B captures infrared radiation of a person or persons toindicate an occupied mode, that sensor 404A/404B will output one or moresignals, e.g., a high level signal, to its corresponding or associatedswitch circuitry 520A/520B to place such switch circuitry 520A/520B in aclosed or “on” state to couple or re-establish communication between thepower source(s) 519A/B and the dispenser controllers, and thus providepower to the dispenser controllers 508A/508B from the power source514A/514B to place the dispenser controllers in an operative state forenabling dispensing operations. In addition, the dispenser controllers508A/508B further can generate and provide one or more signals toactivate or wake up the short-range transmitter/receivers 516A/516Band/or long-range transmitter/receivers 518A/518B, e.g., as needed, whenpowered on.

In some variations, a timer, time clock, timing circuit, etc. can beintegrated with one or more of the sensors 404A/404B to delay theshutdown sequence of the dispenser controllers 508A/508B. For example,when the sensors 404A/404B do not detect the presence of a person, thetimer can be activated, and upon expiration of the timer, the sensors404A/404B can transmit the signals to their respective dispensercontroller 508A/508B to initiate their power down sequence. The timercan be set to any suitable time period, such as about 30 seconds, about1 minute, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes or other suitable timeperiods.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the lead and/or drone dispensers 502and 504 optionally can include a smart PIR sensor 517A/517B. The smartPIR sensor of the lead and/or drone dispensers can include a PIRcontroller 519A/519B, such as a mini-CPU or low power CPU or any othersuitable computing or processing unit than consumes or draws minimalpower (e.g., between about 20 μA to about 25 μA and as low as about 10μA), that is integrated with or otherwise in communication with the PIRsensors 404A and 404B. In one embodiment, the PIR controllers 519A/B andthe PIR sensors 404A/404B can be part of a printed circuit boardassembly (“PCBA”); though the PIR controller 519A/B and the PIR sensors404A/404B can be otherwise electrically connected or otherwise incommunication without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The PIR controllers 519A/519B further can be in communication with theswitch mechanisms 520A/520B and/or the dispenser controllers 508A/508B,and can generate one or more signals responsive to captured or detectedradiation of the PIR sensors 404A/404B (i.e., depending on whether suchPIR sensors 404A/404B are in an occupied or unoccupied state). That is,when each PIR controller 519A/519B determines that its corresponding PIRsensor 404A/404B does not capture radiation, i.e., is in the unoccupiedstate, each PIR controller 519A/519B can transmit one or more signals toits corresponding dispenser controller 508A/508B and/or switch mechanism520A/520B to place the dispenser 502/504 in the low or minimal powerstate, and when each PIR controller 519A/519B determines that itscorresponding PIR sensor 404A/404B captures infrared radiation, the PIRcontroller 519A/519B can generate and transmit one or more signals toits corresponding switch mechanism 520A/520B and/or dispenser controller508A/508B to place the dispenser 502/504 to place the dispenser 502/504in the “on” or full power state.

In particular, according to one embodiment, when the PIR sensors404A/404B detect the presence of one or more individuals, the PIRcontrollers 519A/519B will receive one or more high level signals fromtheir PIR sensors 404A/404B. Upon receipt of these high level signal(s),the PIR controllers 519A/519B will output one or more high level signalsto their corresponding dispenser controllers 508A/508B and/or the switchmechanisms 520A/B for powering on the dispenser controllers 508A/508B.Furthermore, when the PIR sensors 404A/404B do not detect the presenceof any individuals, the PIR controllers 519A/519B will receive one ormore low level signals from the PIR sensors 404A/404B. Upon receipt ofthese low level signal(s), the PIR controllers 519A/519B will output oneor more low level signals to the dispenser controllers 508A/508B toinitiate a shutdown sequence and allow the dispenser controllers508A/508B to finish any ongoing work/processes or other work/processesas necessary. When the work/processes of the dispenser controllers508A/508B are complete, the dispenser controllers 508A/508B can outputone or more low level signals to indicate that its work is complete, andthereafter the PIR controllers 519A/519B can output one or more signalsto deactivate the dispenser controllers 508A/508B (e.g., the PIRcontrollers 519A/519B can output one or more signals to the switchmechanisms 520A/520B to decouple/disconnect the dispenser controllers508A/508B and the power sources 514A/514B or the PIR controllers519A/519B can output one or more signals to the dispenser controllers508A/508B to disconnect/decouple the dispenser controllers 508A/508B andthe power sources 404A/B or to otherwise deactivate/power down thedispenser controllers 508A/508B). That is, the dispenser controllers508A/508B generally remain coupled to their corresponding power sources514A/514B or activated until the PIR controllers 519A/B receives the lowlevel signal(s) therefrom to indicate that necessary work is completeand the dispenser controllers 508A/508B can be safely decoupled frompower or otherwise deactivated. The PIR controllers 519A/519B furthercan output one or more high level signals to help to insure stability ofthe dispenser controllers 508A/508B.

In some variations, each PIR controller 519A/519B can include one ormore timers, which can be initiated after the PIR controllers 519A/519Bare initially placed in their unoccupied state. Thereafter, until theexpiration of the timer(s), the PIR controller 519A/519B will notdecouple the dispenser controllers 508A/508B from the power source514A/514B or otherwise deactivate the dispenser controller 508A/508B.Such timers can be set at varying time intervals (e.g., based on time ofday/usage period, usage history, or other factors) to help reduceunnecessary cycling power off/power on cycles). For example, during peakusage times, a longer timer can be used before shut down/powering downof the dispensers, while at night, when usage is lower, a shorter timerperiod can be used.

In alternative constructions, the switch mechanism 520A/520B can beomitted, and when the PIR sensor 404A/404B is determined to be in theunoccupied state, the PIR controller 519A/519B can generate one or moresignals to the dispenser controller 508A/508B to initiate a shutdown orpower down sequence, such that the dispenser controller 508A/508B andother operative dispenser components in communication therewith shutdown/shut off and consume minimal or no power from the power source514A/514B. Then, when the PIR sensor 404A/404B is in the occupied state,i.e., captures infrared radiation, the PIR controller 518A/519B cantransmit one or more control signals to the dispenser controller508A/50B to initiate a start-up sequence of the dispenser controller508A/508B.

The PIR controller 519A/519B can consume between less than about 25 μAto less than about 10 μA, e.g., in one embodiment, less than about 12μA, while the PIR sensor 404A/404B can consume between less than about20 μA to less than about 10 μA, e.g., in one embodiment, less than about12 μA. Accordingly, with embodiments of the present disclosure, in thelow/minimal power state, the dispensers 502/504 can consume less thanabout 45 μA, less than about 44 μA, less than about 43 μA, less thanabout 42 μA, less than about 41 μA, less than about 40 μA, less thanabout 39 μA, less than about 38 μA, less than about 37 μA, less thanabout 36 μA, less than about 35 μA, less than about 34 μA, less thanabout 33 μA, less than about 32 μA, less than about 31 μA, or less thanabout 30 μA, less than about 29 μA, less than about 28 μA, less thanabout 27 μA, less than about 26 μA, less than about 25 μA, less thanabout 24 μA, less than about 23 μA, less than about 22 μA, less thanabout 21 μA, and/or less than about 20 μA, or lower amounts withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, upon activation of the lead dispenser 502 and/or the dronedispensers 504, e.g., when the sensors 404A/404B of the dispensers502/504 are in the occupied state, the dispenser controllers 508A/508Bof the dispensers 502/504 can be activated (i.e., connected to the powersource 514A/514B), and may log, generate, and store dispenserinformation related to operations/functions of the dispensers 502/504.For example, the lead 502 and drone dispensers 504 can generatedispenser information, e.g., including time and date information, whenthe dispensers 502/504 are activated, and can store the dispenserinformation in the one or more data stores 512. The lead dispenser 502and drone dispensers 504 further can generate, record, etc., additionaldispenser information, such as voltage usage, power levels, paper orliquid levels, usage statistics, etc. and/or other suitable dispenserinformation, which also can be stored in the data store(s) 512.

The drone dispensers 502 generally transmit the dispenser information tothe lead dispenser 502 each time the drone dispensers 504 are activated(i.e., each time the sensor 404 of the drone dispensers is in theoccupied stated.); however, in the alternative, the drone dispensers 504can provide the dispenser information to the lead dispenser 504periodically, e.g., the drone dispensers 504 can provide the dispenserinformation to the lead dispenser 504 after a prescribed number ofactivations, e.g., every five, ten, twenty, fifty, etc., activations, orthe drone dispensers 504 can provide the dispenser information after acertain time period, a certain time in the day, etc.

The lead dispenser 502 stores the dispenser information received fromthe drone dispensers 504 (and generated by the lead dispenser 502) inthe data stores 512A, and transmits signals, packets, etc., including orrelated to the dispenser information to the network 506. The leaddispenser 502 may transmit signals/packets including the dispenserinformation each time the lead dispenser 502 is activated (e.g., whenthe sensor 404A is in an occupied state). However, alternatively, thelead dispenser 502 can transmit the signals/packets including thedispenser information to the network 506 periodically, such as after acertain number of activations of the sensor 404, e.g., ten, twenty,thirty, forty or more activations thereof, though the lead dispenser 502also can transmit the signals/packets including the dispenserinformation after a certain time period, a certain time in the day, etc.without departing from the present disclosure.

The dispenser information provided to the network 506 can be accessed bysystem operators, maintenance personnel, etc. and further can beprocessed, e.g., for tracking or mapping the movements of individualsthroughout a facility including the dispenser system 500, for optimizingusage of the lead dispenser 502 and/or the drone dispensers 504, formaintenance or servicing of the lead dispenser 502 and/or the dronedispensers 504, etc.

The drone dispensers 504 further can generate and transmit alerts,notifications, etc., to the lead dispenser 502. For example, if one ofthe drone dispensers 504 is running low on sheet material or a liquidsupply (e.g., as determined by one or more monitoring systems of thedrone dispensers 504), is experiencing an error condition, such as ajam, component failure, etc., the drone dispenser 504 can generate andtransmit and an alert to the lead dispenser 502 (i.e., using theshort-range transmitter/receiver 516B). Upon receipt of the alert, thelead dispenser 502 may generate and transmit one or more signals orinformation packets including information related to the alert to thenetwork 506 (using the long-range transmitter/receiver 518A/518B) tonotify a system operator, maintenance provider, etc. of the alert e.g.,so they can refill, replace the batteries, or otherwise service thedrone dispenser 504.

The lead dispenser 502 further can generate and transmit alerts,notifications, etc. to the network (e.g., if the lead dispensers 502 isrunning low on sheet material or liquid supply, such as determined byone or more monitoring systems of the lead dispenser 502; isexperiencing an error condition, such as a jam or a component failure;etc.). The alerts, notifications, etc. generally can be sent to the leaddispenser 502 and to the network 506 immediately or soon after thecondition that led to generation of the alert, notification, etc.

The drone dispensers 504 further can continuously generate and transmitsignals to the lead dispenser 502 when the sensors 404B of one or moreof the drone dispensers 404 are in the occupied mode. For example, thedrone dispensers 504 can transmit one or more signals, using the shortrange transmitter 516B thereof, to the lead dispenser 502 at aprescribed interval, e.g., about every 1 second, about every 10 seconds,about every 30 seconds, etc., when in the sensor 404B is in the occupiedmode.

According to the present disclosure, the lead dispenser 502 generallyremains in the on/active/full power state (i.e., with the dispensercontroller 508A/508B and other dispenser components in communicationtherewith connected to/coupled with the power source 514A/514B) when oneor more of the sensors 404B of one or more of the drone dispensers 504are in an occupied state. That is, the lead dispenser 502 remains in theon state when signals are received from one or more of the dronedispensers 504 even if the sensor 404A of the lead dispenser 504 is inthe unoccupied mode. Furthermore, the lead dispenser 502 can remain inthe active/on state (i.e., with the dispenser controller 508A connectedto/couple with the power source 514A) for a prescribed time period afterthe sensor 404A of the lead dispenser 502A and all of the sensors 404Bof the drone dispensers 504 are in an unoccupied state (e.g., when noone is within a prescribed proximity to the lead 502 or drone 504dispensers).

The prescribed time period can be set by the operator of the system andcan include, but is not limited to, approximately five minutes,approximately ten minutes, approximately thirty minutes, approximatelyone hour, etc. or other suitable time period without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, when the dispensercontroller 508A of the lead dispenser 502 determines that all of thesensors 404B of the corresponding drone dispensers 504 are in theunoccupied mode (e.g., when the short-range transmitter 516A of the leaddispenser fails to receive signals from the drone dispensers 502) andthe sensor 404A of the lead dispenser 502 also is in an unoccupied mode,the dispenser controller 508A may initiate a timer, and upon expirationof the timer, the dispenser controller 508A can initiate the dispensercontroller 508A power down sequence described above.

In some variations, the lead dispenser 502 can generate and transmit oneor more signals to activate one or more of the plurality of dronedispensers 504 upon activation of the lead dispenser 502, e.g., when thesensor 404 of the lead dispenser 502 is in an occupied mode; however,all of the drone dispensers 504 can remain off/deactivated until theirsensor 404B is in the occupied mode, without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Furthermore, in some variations, the sensors404B of the drone dispensers 504 can be disconnected from the powersource 514B when the lead dispenser 502 is in the power down mode (andcan be powered on when the transmitter/receiver 516B receives one ormore signals from the lead dispenser 502).

In addition, in some variations, the lead dispenser 502 can be activatedwhen a signal is received by the long-range transmitter/receiver518A/518B, e.g., when a system operator, maintenance personnel, etc.,want to access the dispenser information of the lead dispenser 502 orone or more of the drone dispensers 504. The lead dispenser 502 furthercan be activated when a signal is received from one or more of the dronedispensers 504, e.g., via the short-range transmitter 516A (or in thelong-range transmitter in the case one is included with one or more ofthe drone dispensers 504.

As generally shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the dispensing system 500,including a lead dispenser 502 and a plurality of drone dispensers 502can be placed at various locations within a facility, such as within arestroom 550 of the facility (FIG. 9A), or within hospital rooms 560(FIG. 9B).

By way of example, and as shown in FIG. 9A, a lead dispenser 502, whichcan include a sheet material dispenser, can be placed at, near, orsubstantially proximate to an entry 552 to a restroom 550 (e.g., suchthat the sensor 404A of the lead dispenser 502 is in the occupied modewhen a person or persons enter the restroom 550). The plurality of dronedispensers 504 can include a liquid dispenser 504A positionedsubstantially near a sink or faucet 554 of the restroom 500, and furthercan include a plurality of tissue dispensers 504B placed within thevarious stalls 556 of the restroom 550.

The lead dispenser 502 can be activated when an individual(s) enters therestroom 550, and the tissue dispensers 504B further can be activatedand generate and transmit one or more signals to the lead dispenser 502when the individual enters one of the stalls 556. When the individualexits the stall 556, the tissue dispenser 504B can be deactivated. Theliquid dispenser 504A can be activated when the individual approachesthe sink 554, e.g., to wash their hands or to user the liquid dispenser504A, and deactivated after the individual moves sufficiently away fromthe liquid dispenser 504A. If the liquid dispenser 504A and/or thetissue dispensers 504B are running low on paper, have a low powersupply, or are experiencing an error condition, the dispensers 504A/504Bcan generate and transmit an alert, notification, etc. to the leaddispenser 502 to be transmitted to the network 506 to notify systemoperators, maintenance personal, etc.

The lead dispenser 502 generally can remain activated while anindividual is in the restroom 550, with the lead dispenser 502 receivingsignals from the tissue 504B and/or liquid dispensers 504B. The leaddispenser 502 further can receive dispenser information from thedispensers 504A/504B related to the movements/activities of theindividual (e.g., the particular dispensers activated and/or used andthe time and date when they were used) and provide that dispenserinformation as well as any dispenser information generated by the leaddispenser 502 to the network 506 for processing, e.g., to track or mapmovements of the individual in the restroom, activities of theindividual within the restroom (e.g., to determine if the individualwashed their hands after using a stall), etc.

After the individual exits the restroom and no other individuals oractivity are detected in the restroom, the lead dispenser 502 can bedeactivated, i.e., its dispenser controller 508A and dispensercomponents in communication therewith can be disconnected from the powersource 514A, as can be the drone dispensers 504 linked thereto. As aresult, when the restroom 550 is unoccupied, the power consumed by thedispenser system 500 in the restroom 550 is substantially reduced, e.g.,with the dispenser controller 508A/508B and substantially all otheroperative components of the dispensers 502/504 disconnected from thepower sources 514A/514B, except for the sensors 404A and 404B and thelong-range 518A and short-range receivers 516A and 516B, which remainactive and in a low power or sleep state.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the dispenser system 500 also can be integratedwithin a hospital room 560. For example, the lead dispenser 502 caninclude a sheet material dispenser or a liquid (e.g., hand sanitizer) orother type dispenser positioned to be substantially adjacent, proximate,etc. an entry 562 of the hospital room 560 or otherwise positioned,arranged, oriented, etc. so that the sensor 404A of the lead dispenser502 is in the occupied mode when a person or persons enter the hospitalroom 560. The drone dispensers 504 can include liquid dispensers 504A,such as soap or sanitation dispensers, positioned about the hospitalroom 560, or other type dispensers. For example, the drone dispenser 504can be position to be substantially adjacent, proximate, or otherwisenear a hospital bed 564 in the hospital room 560.

Accordingly, when one or more individuals enter the hospital room 560the lead dispenser 502 can be activated (e.g., with the sensor 404A inthe occupied mode, the dispenser controller 508A of the lead dispenser502 can be connected to the power source 514A). In addition, the dronedispensers 504 can be activated when individuals in the hospital room560 are within a certain proximity of the drone dispensers 504, e.g.,as/when the individuals approach the hospital beds 564 and/or thedispensers 504. The lead dispenser 502 and the drone dispensers 504further can generate, log, store, etc. dispenser information (e.g.,times and dates of when the dispensers 502/504 where activated, whetherthe individuals used the dispensers 502/504, etc.). The drone dispensers504 can transmit dispenser information and/or one or more alerts,notifications, etc. (e.g., if a lower power, low supply, error, etc.,state is detected), and the lead dispenser 502 can transmit dispenserinformation/alerts received from the drone dispensers 504 and generatedby the lead dispenser 502 to the network 506 for processing thereof,e.g., for tracking usage of the dispensers 502/504, for maintenance ofthe dispensers 502/504, and/or for tracking or mapping movements orother activities of the individuals within the hospital room 560, etc.

When the sensors 404B of the drone dispensers 504 are in the unoccupiedstate, the drone dispensers 504 are placed in the low/minimal powerstate (i.e., with the power source 514B disconnected from the dispensercontroller 508B and other operative dispenser components incommunication therewith). And, when all of the sensors 404A and 404B ofthe lead dispenser 502 and the drone dispensers 504 are in theunoccupied state, the lead dispenser 502 is placed in the low/minimalpower state (i.e., with the power source 514A disconnected from thedispenser controller 508A and other operative dispenser components incommunication therewith) after a prescribed time period, such asapproximately 5 minutes, approximately 10 minutes, etc. As a result,when the hospital room 560 is unoccupied, the power consumed by thedispenser system 500 in the hospital room is substantially reduced,e.g., with the dispenser controller 508A/508B and substantially allother power consuming components of the dispensers 502/504 beingdisconnected from the power sources 514A/514B, except for the sensors404A and 404B and the long-range 518A and short-range receivers 516A and516B in a low power or sleep state.

In addition, or in alternative constructions, the lead dispenser 502 andthe drone dispensers 504 (e.g., the liquid dispenser 504A shown in FIG.9B) further can communicate with devices, such as badges, fobs, keycards, etc. or other passive or active devices, carried by hospitalpersonnel. For example, the short-range transmitters/receivers 516A/516Bof the lead dispenser 502 and the drone dispensers 504 (or additionalreceiver/transmitters incorporated or otherwise in communication withlead dispenser 502 and the drone dispensers 504) can send and/or receiveone or more signals to the devices carried by the hospital personnel.The lead dispenser 502 and drone dispensers 504 further can generate,log, store, etc. device information based on the signals transmitted toor received from the carried devices. The drone dispensers 504 furthercan transmit the generate/stored device information to the leaddispenser 502, and the lead dispenser can transmit the deviceinformation to the network 506 for processing thereof, e.g., fortracking or mapping activities or movements of the hospital personnelcarrying the devices, for monitoring compliance with sanitationprocedures, etc.

Exemplary processes and systems for mapping/tracking individuals arediscussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,741,233, 9,972,193, 10,446,013, which isspecifically incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in itsentirety.

The foregoing description generally illustrates and describes variousembodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can bemade to the above-discussed construction of the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdisclosed herein, and that it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as being illustrative, and not to be taken in a limitingsense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall beconstrued to cover various modifications, combinations, additions,alterations, etc., above and to the above-described embodiments, whichshall be considered to be within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, various features and characteristics of the presentinvention as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged andapplied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of theinvention, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions furthercan be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser, comprising: a supply of sheetmaterial; a feed roller located adjacent the supply of sheet materialand configured to engage and feed the sheet material from the supply ofsheet material; a motor coupled to the feed roller; a controller incommunication with the motor and at least one detector configured tosignal the controller to initiate a dispensing cycle; wherein inresponse to a signal from the at least one detector to initiate thedispensing cycle, the controller activates the motor to rotate the feedroller to feed an amount of the sheet material; a power source; and apower management system connected to the controller and the powersource, the power management system comprising at least one passiveinfrared radiation sensor configured to detect infrared radiationemitted by one or more users within a prescribed detection range, area,or zone of the dispenser; wherein the power management system isoperable to disconnect the controller from the power source when the atleast one passive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infraredradiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone; whereinwhen the controller is disconnected from the power source, the at leastone passive infrared sensor remains connected to the power source; andwherein the power management system connects the controller to the powersource when the at least one passive infrared radiation sensor capturesinfrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone.2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one detector includesa proximity sensor configured to detect a presence of a user and signalthe controller to initiate the dispensing cycle, a sensor configured todetect removal of the sheet material from the discharge, a paperdetection sensor configured to detect paper within a discharge area ofthe dispenser, a cutting mechanism detector, or a combination thereof.3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the power management system furthercomprises a switch between the power source and the controller andconnected to the at least one passive infrared sensor, wherein theswitch is operable to disconnect the controller when the at least onepassive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiationwithin the prescribed detection range, area, or zone; and wherein theswitch is operable to connect the controller to the power source whenthe at least one passive infrared radiation sensor captures infraredradiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone.
 4. Thedispenser of claim 1, wherein the power management system furthercomprises a passive infrared radiation sensor controller incommunication with the at least one passive infrared radiation sensor,the passive infrared radiation sensor controller being configured toconnect the power source with the controller and communicate with thecontroller to initiate a start-up sequence of the controller in responseto a signal from the passive infrared radiation sensor indicating thecapture of infrared radiation within the prescribed detection range,area, or zone.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the power managementsystem further comprises a passive infrared radiation sensor controllerin communication with the at least one passive infrared radiation sensorand the controller; wherein the passive infrared radiation sensorcontroller is configured to detect one or more low level signals outputby the at least one passive infrared sensor and initiate a shutdownsequence of the controller whereby the controller is directed tocomplete any ongoing work, functions, or operations.
 6. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the dispenser consumes less than about 100 μA when thecontroller is disconnected from the power source by the power managementsystem.
 7. A dispensing system, comprising: a network; a plurality ofdispensers, including: at least one lead dispenser in communication withthe network; and a plurality of drone dispensers in communication withthe lead dispenser; wherein the lead dispenser is configured to receiveinformation related to the plurality of drone dispensers from theplurality of drone dispensers, and for communicating the informationreceived from the plurality of drone dispensers to the network; whereinthe lead dispenser and each drone dispenser of the plurality of dronedispensers comprises a controller configured to initiate and control oneor more operations of the respective lead dispenser or drone dispenser,a power source, and a power management system in communication with thecontroller and the power source; wherein the power management systemcomprises at least one passive infrared radiation sensor configured tocapture infrared radiation indicative of one or more individuals presentwithin a prescribed detection range, area, or zone of the respectivelead dispenser or drone dispenser; wherein the power management systemfor each of the lead dispenser and the drone dispensers is operable todisconnect the controller from the power source when the at least onepassive infrared radiation sensor does not capture infrared radiationwithin the prescribed detection range, area, or zone, and wherein thepower management system for each of the lead dispenser and the dronedispensers is operable to connect the controller to the power sourcewhen the at least one passive infrared radiation sensor capturesinfrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone.8. The dispensing system of claim 7, wherein one or more of theplurality of drone dispensers includes a sheet material dispenser andone or more of the plurality of drone dispensers includes a liquiddispenser.
 9. The dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the controllerof each drone dispenser is configured to detect an error condition, alow power condition, a low source condition, or a combination thereof,and transmit one or more alerts or notifications to the lead dispenser.if one or more drone dispensers wherein the lead dispenser transmits theone or more alerts or notifications from the plurality of dronedispensers to the network.
 10. The dispensing system of claim 7, whereinthe lead dispenser includes a long range transmitter/receiver thatfacilitates communication between the lead dispenser and the network.11. The dispensing system of claim 10, wherein: each of the leaddispenser and the drone dispensers comprises a dispensing mechanism andat least one detector, the controller being operable to activate thedispensing mechanism in response to receiving one or more signals fromthe detector.
 12. The dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the atleast one detector comprises a proximity sensor, a paper detectionsensor, or a cutting mechanism movement detector.
 13. The dispensersystem of claim 7, wherein the power management system comprises aswitch operable to disconnect the dispensing mechanism and the detectorfrom the power source when the at least one passive infrared radiationsensor does not capture infrared radiation within the prescribeddetection range, area, or zone; and wherein the switch is operable toconnect the dispensing mechanism and the detector to the power sourcewhen the at least one passive infrared radiation sensor capturesinfrared radiation within the prescribed detection range, area, or zone.14. A dispenser, comprising: a dispensing mechanism configured todispense a prescribed amount of a liquid or a sheet material; a controlsystem for the dispenser, the control system adapted to communicate withthe dispensing mechanism to activate the dispensing mechanism todispense the prescribed amount of the liquid or the sheet materialduring a dispensing cycle; a power source coupled to the control system;and a power management system in communication with the dispensercontroller and to the power source, the power management systemcomprising at least one passive infrared radiation sensor configured todetect infrared radiation within a prescribed detection range, area, orzone; wherein the power management system is configured to disconnectthe control system from the power source to place the dispenser in a lowpower state or mode when the at least one passive infrared radiationsensor does not capture infrared radiation within a prescribed detectionrange, area, or zone; wherein the control system and the at least onepassive infrared radiation sensor draw power from the power source whenthe controller is connected to the power source, and wherein when thedispenser is in the low power state, the at least one passive infraredradiation sensor draws power from the power source.
 15. The dispenser ofclaim 14, wherein the power management system further comprises a switchbetween the power source and the control system and connected to the atleast one passive infrared sensor; wherein the switch is operable todisconnect the control system when the at least one passive infraredradiation sensor does not capture infrared radiation within theprescribed detection range, area, or zone; and wherein the switch isoperable to connect the control system to the power source when the atleast one passive infrared radiation sensor captures infrared radiationwithin the prescribed detection range, area, or zone.
 16. The dispenserof claim 14, wherein the control system comprises at least onecontroller and further comprises a proximity sensor configured to detecta user, a sensor configured to detect discharge or removal of the liquidor the sheet material from the dispenser, or a combination thereof, incommunication with the controller.
 17. The dispenser of claim 14,wherein the dispenser consumes less than about 100 μA when the dispenseris in the low power state.
 18. The dispenser of claim 14, furthercomprising a proximity sensor or movement detector, or a combinationthereof, in communication with the control system; and wherein thecontrol system is operable to activate the dispensing mechanism inresponse to receiving one or more signals from the proximity sensor ormovement detector to dispense the prescribed amount of the liquid or asheet material during the dispensing cycle.
 19. The dispenser of claim14, wherein the power management system further comprises a switchconnected to the power source and the control system, and a passiveinfrared radiation sensor controller that is linked to the at least onepassive infrared radiation sensor, the passive infrared radiation sensorcontroller being configured to generate one or more signals responsiveto signals from the passive infrared radiation sensor to operate theswitch to connect or disconnect the control system from the powersource.
 20. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the at least one passiveinfrared radiation sensor is configured to capture infrared radiationwithin a generally conical detection area comprising a selecteddetection angle.